Ballsy men set to take on the Hollard Daredevil Run in October

Men across South Africa are being called to make their “ballsiest move yet” as the Hollard Daredevil Run returns on Friday, October 31, raising awareness for prostate and testicular cancers in a way that is hard to ignore.

The annual 5 kilometre run, famous for the fact that participants wear nothing but a purple Speedo, is more than just a light-hearted spectacle. It is a bold and effective campaign to spark conversations, challenge stigmas and encourage early testing for male cancers.

The official launch of the 2025 event took place at Hollard Campus in Parktown, Johannesburg, where funds from last year’s run were handed over to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

The 2024 edition was a record-breaker, with more participants taking to the streets than ever before. Around R780,000 was raised, which Hollard has topped up to a total of R1 million. This money will help increase awareness and improve access to cancer screening in communities where testing facilities are scarce.

Hazel Chimhandamba, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard, believes men should give their health the same energy they give to sport. “As a nation, sport is in our blood. If we are that passionate about it, we can be equally passionate about our health,” she said.

“Just imagine if society paid the same attention to understanding the risks of prostate and testicular cancers. The Hollard Daredevil Run is such a powerful platform because it raises awareness in a fun and engaging way, sparking dialogue about men’s health in a non-threatening environment. For Hollard, we are always optimistic and strongly believe that through increased awareness we can make a positive impact on early detection.”

The Daredevil Run, first launched 16 years ago, has grown into a nationwide event. The main run will once again be held at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, but smaller runs will also take place in neighbourhoods, schools and universities across the country.

Alarming statistics

Meanwhile, the statistics are sobering. Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in South African men. Data from the National Cancer Registry shows that one in 15 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. International research also reveals a troubling racial disparity, with about one in four Black men likely to be diagnosed, compared to one in eight white men.

Testicular cancer, while less common overall, is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in young men aged 15 to 35, affecting roughly one in every 2,000 males. It is highly treatable when detected early, and experts stress that a simple one-minute self-examination in the shower to check for lumps, swelling or changes in the testicles could save a life.

The 2025 Hollard Daredevil Run at Zoo Lake will start at 3pm on Friday, October 31. Men from anywhere in the country can take part by registering to run solo or with friends, family or colleagues in their own communities.

Registrations open on  August 13 via Ticketpro at a cost of R180, which includes the delivery of a registration pack and the trademark purple Speedo.

More details are available at www.hollard.co.za/daredevilrun.